Between 2019 and 2023, catalytic converter theft in Alberta increased by 261%, with RCMP, Calgary Police Service and the Edmonton Police Service reported respective increases of 695% , 103% and 269%.
The province is fighting back with the Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act. Helping monitor sales and making it easier to track sales.
“We hope to prevent significant amounts of illicit scrap metal from entering into the legitimate market.,” said Mike Ellis the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.
Alberta continues to face an alarming rise in thefts, with 67% of reported incidents occurring in Edmonton and Calgary with nearly 40 cases per month.
The demand for metals has shifted significantly between 2021 and 2024, leading to a 93% increase in copper wire theft across the province.
Authorities are hopeful that the newly implemented laws and identification act will ensure offenders are held accountable.
In Calgary, auto repair shops now provide catalytic converter engraving services, allowing vehicle owners to permanently mark their converters with VIN numbers.
The program also includes windshield stickers to scare off criminals that the converters can not be sold due to the engraving of VIN numbers.
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